The pandemic that begun in the first quarter of 2020 has hastened the adaptation of a lifestyle very different from the one we are used to. Working professionals especially have had to pivot to a completely work from home environment, requiring individuals and businesses to weigh options previously never considered.
A work from home option comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. While it may seem all hunky dory at first sight, not having the right set up, or even the right mindset, may make your job that much more difficult.
Whether you are a work from home veteran or someone looking to set up home office, we have some tried and tested guidelines to help you boost your productivity.
Finding the right setup
Creating a sound workspace is crucial to your efforts. Take stock of the layout of your home, and identify a space where you can set up shop. The challenge here is to find a space that is stable, you do not want to be shifting shop every now and then. Keep in mind that you need to be comfortable enough to work efficiently, but not comfortable enough to snooze. Finding the right lighting is crucial, having your workspace close to a window could be a good idea if you have one. The most important thing in the work from home environment today is the inclusion of technology. Finding the right tech support can make or break your home office.
Getting Connected
This becomes the prime requirement for a professional when thinking about WFH. Considering that most of our tasks today are all about video meetings, collaboration on varied projects, and exchange of data, a reliable connection that meets your needs becomes prima facie.
There are several types of options to get connected via internet.
- Digital subscriber line (DSL)
- Cable modem
- Fibre
- Wireless
- Satellite
Fibre thrives in the most agile network connectivity scenario. It provides you with high bandwidths and a reliable connection crucial to ensuring business continuity in these uncertain times.
It is important to factor in the number of devices you may be using on the connection you are availing. Depending upon the same you need to identify an internet plan that fits the bill. Many individuals working with business to business solutions, because of the sheer amount of data that needs to be managed, usually require a stronger internet connection available on multiple devices in the same home.
Here are some relevant references that you can use as a reference:
| Internet speed | Number of connected users/devices | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Mbps | 1 or 2 | Online browsing, research, emails |
| 25 Mbps | 3 to 5 | Downloading large files downloading, basic wireless network solutions, business communication, IOT solutions |
| 75 Mbps | 5 to 10 | Video streaming, frequent file sharing, numerous POS transactions |
| 150 Mbps | 10 to 15 | Frequent cloud computing, video conferencing, data backups |
| 500 Mbps | 20 to 30 | Multiple-server hosting, constant cloud-based computing, heavy online backups |
| 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) Or more |
30+ | High speed operations for enterprise-ready offices with near-zero interruptions, or Enterprise wireless solutions |
Always keep in mind that you may not need the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available to get your job done. But having reliable Wi-Fi is crucial, which is why one must consider business wireless plans for better results, depending on the available service providers in your area.
Security and Storage
These are the two pillars of a robust work from home environment. Cisco estimates that around 46% of employees report transferring of files between the work and personal computers. Also, having a unsecured internet connection could be hugely detrimental to you efficiency and be an invitation to data theft.
It is important to have multifactor authorization enabled on the system you are using. If you are using an office system, chances are there will already be an antivirus software installed, however, if you are using a personal system investing in a strong antivirus software. If you are working with a lot of sensitive data it is important to ensure you have company-sanctioned storage solutions available with you. A lot of home office solutions also involve buying cloud space to allow you to store large chunks of data online.
Adopt the Right Technology
Your system is going to be your bastion of professional productivity, and needs to be created with equal attention to detail. Having a system that is not only compatible to your requirements is crucial. More importantly, considering the fact that you are going to be spending a lot of time on your system, it is important that it is comfortable for you to operate as well.
Investing in a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard can be a good idea. Having a high quality camera can also brighten up those blurry video calls. Having a chair with sufficient lumbar support helps you work for long hours without developing any niggles.
It goes without saying that having the right technology is the most important for your work from home space. Having the right device like a laptop or a PC is just one of the aspects. But there is so much more that can make the whole process easy and comfortable for you to be really productive and at your best.
Connectivity & Communication
Identify the right tools for communicating with your team regularly. Maybe your company uses G-Suite, or maybe even Office 365, in case you do not have either, you can take your pick from a host of other tools out there. Establish an id on your preferred video conferencing tool, and make sure it is also mentioned in your email for easy reference of your team and/or clients. Prioritising communication and connectivity is the key to success and letting your clients and team know that you’re taking WFH seriously.
Invest in a good pair of headset that has good noise cancellation for clear and proper communication without any background noise so you can concentrate on your work. If you are really serious about WFH ditch the laptop camera and get a proper webcam that lets you communicate seamlessly and effortlessly. For extra points you can also choose a camera with speaker tracking functionality that follows you even when you stand up and move around.
Manage Technology to Manage Time
The bottom line for work from home solutions is to quickly get the hang of the technology that has become an integral part of the WFH culture today. Right from allowing yourself to be in touch with your team at all times, to helping you create a healthy work-life balance.
At Wireless DNA we provide a host of home office solutions and wireless solutions. We understand the importance of having a strong technological support when managing work from the comfort of your home. Reach out to us to learn more how we can help.
